Method
The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of incorporating Knudsen Pumps to control the Boundary Layer, more specifically, through suction. To investigate the effects that Knudsen pumps have on the boundary layer, the team used mathematical modelling using the software Mathcad.
Mathcad was used to model the boundary layer on a surface using the Blasius equation. The input conditions were then input into the model, using conditions which corresponded to commercial passenger aircraft currently in service. This would give results, allowing us to see whether there were any improvements on the boundary layer profile.
The investigation would be done in stages, with each stage improving upon the previous by analysing a more realistic model of an aircraft. These stages were:
Based on this the team developed a strategy for the investigation process:
Mathcad was used to model the boundary layer on a surface using the Blasius equation. The input conditions were then input into the model, using conditions which corresponded to commercial passenger aircraft currently in service. This would give results, allowing us to see whether there were any improvements on the boundary layer profile.
The investigation would be done in stages, with each stage improving upon the previous by analysing a more realistic model of an aircraft. These stages were:
- Simple flat plate without suction
- Simple flat plate with suction
- Aerofoil without suction
- Aerofoil with suction
- Whole wing without suction
- Whole wing with suction
- Full aicraft without suction
- Full aircraft with suction
- Knudsen Pump optimization
Based on this the team developed a strategy for the investigation process: